The following is a republished press release from the Sciencenter and NOT written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit community announcements directly to The Voice, email tips@ithacavoice.com.

ITHACA. N.Y. – On Wednesday, May 17th members of local law enforcement will carry the “Flame of Hope” through the City of Ithaca to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics New York athletes, and the 2016 Special Olympics New York Summer Games, June 16-17, at Siena College in the Capital District Region.

Nearly 2,000 Special Olympics New York athletes, coaches and volunteers are expected to attend the weekend of competition including basketball, volleyball, track & field, tennis, bowling, gymnastics, swimming and powerlifting.

2017 Winter World Games champion, Kinsey Henry of Groton, NY will be in attendance.

Start: 4:00PM at Ithaca Police Department

Finish: approximately 4:30PM at Stewart Park

The Law Enforcement Torch Run ® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the movement’s largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas (USA), Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics.

The LETR was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. New York LETR raised over $2 million in 2016 in support of local Special Olympics athletes.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS? Special Olympics is the largest amateur sports organization in the world.  With over 68,000 athletes, Special Olympics New York is the largest chapter in North America and the 6th largest chapter in the world.  Special Olympics New York athletes train and compete year-round in 22 sports, at no cost to the athlete, their families or their caregivers.  For more information or to donate, please visit www.nyso.org.

Members of the media and the public are invited to join at the start and finish of Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New York.

Featured image by Sam Scott/The Ithaca Voice.